Table 3 Comparison of lead-related parameters between pre- and postchelation therapy
| Parameters |
Prechelation (mean + SD) | Postchelation (mean + SD) | Mean difference between post- and prechelation (95% confidence interval) | p-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood lead level (μg/dL) | 81.8 ± 9.9 | 56.6 ± 16.8 | -25.2 + 13.8 (21.9–28.5) | < 0.001 |
| Liver stiffness (kPa) | 5.3 ± 0.9 | 4.8 ± 1.4 | - 0.5 + 1.2 (0.2–0.8) | 0.001 |
| Steatosis (dB/m) | 208.6 ± 31.7 | 207.0 ± 45.0 | -1.6 + 41.0 (-8.1–11.4) | 0.738 |
| TNF-α (pg/mL) | 371.6 ± 211.3 | 215.8 ± 142.7 | -155.8 + 137.4 (120.9–190.7) | < 0.001 |
| Interleukin-1β (pg/mL) | 29.8 ± 1.7 | 25.9 ± 4.3 | -3.8 + 3.7 (2.9–4.8) | < 0.001 |
| Interleukin-6 (pg/mL) | 46.8 ± 10.2 | 35.0 ± 11.9 | -11.8 + 10.6 (9.1–14.5) | < 0.001 |
| Glutathione (μg/mL) | 3.3 ± 3.3 | 13.1 ± 3.7 | 9.8 + 3.7 (10.8–8.9) | < 0.001 |